Hexylresorcinol
One of DermaQuestโs current hero ingredients for MelaQuest Cream.
Hexylresorcinol is used to help regulate processes involved in excess melanin formation and support visible improvement in dark spots and uneven tone.
It works alongside several other pigment-targeting ingredients rather than functioning as the sole brightener.
Nonapeptide-1
A pigmentation-targeting peptide.
Nonapeptide-1 helps interrupt signalling associated with excess melanin production, providing a complementary mechanism to enzyme-targeting brighteners.
DermaQuest specifically highlights it as one of the creamโs three principal pigmentation actives.
Bearberry Extract
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Extract is a botanical brightening and antioxidant ingredient.
Bearberry naturally contains compounds associated with pigment regulation and provides complementary support for dark spots and uneven tone.
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
A lipid-soluble derivative of Kojic Acid.
It is used to support regulation of tyrosinase activity involved in melanin formation while offering improved formulation stability compared with conventional Kojic Acid.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, lipid-soluble Vitamin C derivative positioned very high in the current formula.
It provides antioxidant support while helping promote brighter, more even-looking skin and supporting collagen-related processes.
Multiple Vitamin C Technologies
In addition to Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the current formula contains:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Ascorbic Acid
These provide complementary antioxidant and brightening activity within the wider pigmentation formula.
Arbutin
A well-established pigmentation-supporting ingredient that helps regulate tyrosinase activity involved in melanin production.
Bakuchiol
A botanical age-supporting and antioxidant ingredient.
Bakuchiol helps complement the creamโs focus on skin renewal and photoageing without making this a dedicated retinoid treatment.
It should not be described as Retinol.
Ergothioneine
A potent antioxidant that helps protect skin against oxidative stress associated with environmental exposure.
Oxidative stress is particularly relevant in pigmentation-prone skin because it can contribute to melanocyte stimulation and visible ageing.
Liquorice Root Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract provides soothing, antioxidant and complementary pigment-supporting activity.
Mulberry Extract
Morus Alba Fruit Extract provides botanical antioxidant and brightening support.
The current official DermaQuest formula specifies Morus Alba Fruit Extract, not Morus Alba Leaf Extract.
Emblica / Indian Gooseberry
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract is an antioxidant-rich botanical used to provide additional environmental defence and tone support.
Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin
Humectants that attract and retain water within the skin.
These ingredients help differentiate MelaQuest Cream from a drying pigment corrector and support comfortable twice-daily use.
Full Ingredient List:
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hexyl Laurate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Safflower Seed Oil Piperonyl Esters, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Hexylresorcinol, Hydroxyapatite, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Propylene Glycol, Methyl Undecenoyl Leucinate, Dextran, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-36, Nonapeptide-1, Resorcinol, Bakuchiol, Ergothioneine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Lilium Candidum Leaf Cell Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Arbutin, Alcohol, Thymus Hydrolysate, PEG-8, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool.
